What Causes a Sudden Doubling of Fuel Consumption?

3 Answers
Virgil
07/29/25 9:13am
The reasons for a sudden increase in fuel consumption include severe engine carbon deposits, the use of low-quality fuel, excessive vehicle load, and the use of high-power electrical equipment in the vehicle. The specific related introductions are as follows: Severe Engine Carbon Deposits: Carbon deposits usually form on the fuel injector, spark plug, throttle valve, and combustion chamber. When carbon deposits reach a certain level, issues such as difficulty in ignition, stalling during neutral coasting or gear shifting, lack of acceleration power, and unstable idle speed (fluctuating high and low) may occur. Use of Low-Quality Fuel: Since low-quality fuel contains more impurities and cannot be fully combusted, most of the gasoline is expelled from the vehicle. At the same time, a layer of white or reddish-brown substance forms on the surface of the oxygen sensor, leading to misjudgment of exhaust oxygen content measurement, transmission of incorrect data, and ultimately poor control of the fuel injection ratio. Excessive Vehicle Load: There are many unnecessary items in the vehicle. Some car owners prefer to place unnecessary items in the vehicle, which increases the weight. Some car owners also like to fill up the fuel tank, which also increases the vehicle's weight. The greater the vehicle load, the greater the pressure of the tires on the ground, and the greater the tire friction. Use of High-Power Electrical Equipment in the Vehicle: Especially during idling, due to the low engine speed, the electricity generated by the alternator is insufficient. When high-power electrical equipment (such as air conditioning cooling, high-power audio) is used in the vehicle, it increases the burden on the engine and battery. Operating the vehicle under high load conditions will also lead to increased fuel consumption.
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BrielleMarie
08/12/25 8:54am
Recently, I noticed my car's fuel consumption suddenly doubled, which is really frustrating. There could be many reasons. First, my driving habits might have changed, like suddenly accelerating or frequently idling while waiting, which increases fuel consumption. Second, check if the tire pressure is too low. If the tires are underinflated, the increased friction naturally leads to higher fuel consumption. Third, the air filter or oxygen sensor might be malfunctioning. These components control combustion efficiency, and if they're clogged or broken, the engine has to burn more fuel to compensate. The last time I encountered this issue, replacing the air filter fixed it. Weather also plays a role; in winter, cold starts require more warm-up time, leading to slightly higher fuel consumption. Lastly, don’t overlook fuel quality. Using the wrong fuel or contaminated fuel can also double fuel consumption. I recommend first checking your driving habits and tire pressure, then taking the car to a repair shop to inspect the system. Don’t ignore potential safety hazards.
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McSteven
10/06/25 4:22am
The sudden increase in fuel consumption, as a car enthusiast, I think the common causes are oxygen sensor failure or a clogged air filter. The former regulates the air-fuel ratio; if it malfunctions, the fuel won't burn efficiently, leading to waste. Checking tire pressure is also crucial, as insufficient pressure increases resistance. Additionally, if driving habits become more aggressive, such as frequent speeding or heavy acceleration when climbing hills, fuel consumption will definitely double. I've also considered external factors like weather; in cold winters, longer warm-up times naturally increase fuel consumption. Regular maintenance can prevent these issues, such as replacing spark plugs and cleaning fuel injectors. Don't wait until the problem becomes severe; addressing it early is more cost-effective.
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